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About Me

Mr.F and Famidha

Hey there!

Welcome to But First Chai, my corner of the internet! I'm Famidha, the creator and curator behind this space. Mr. F is my other half and the unpaid taste-tester.

This little blog is an excuse to combine my love for cooking new dishes and writing recipes.


My early cooking lessons started at home as sous chef to Mom! I spent my 20s in the corporate world away from folks. I loved coming back to my tiny kitchen and making dinner for two (me and my flatmate). Between my full-time job as an Instructional Designer and the flour-filled counter, it became obvious that cooking was therapeutic to me, and my kitchen (wherever it is) is my refuge.

Around 2014, I quit my job to start a new journey with my husband (Mr. F) in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. In no time, I got inspired by the culture, people and the whole Middle Eastern food world. That’s when I started this blog as a journal of food recipes.

But First Chai

In 2019, we moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE and I decided to work full-time on the blog so changed the blog to But First Chai (previously called My Life in Yanbu). My diverse background is the reason you will find recipes focused on South Asia and the Middle East.

The reason I call this blog But First Chai is because we both are chai lovers and good things start with a cup of chai, right? I remember the day I was contemplating on what to call this blog while I was sipping my morning chai and it was a bulb moment - "but first chai" was born. Yeah, so random.

Because it is just two of us, my recipes are portioned into small batches that two foodies with great appetites can indulge in. This means a family of three or four with kids can use the same measurements. But on a serious note, I have been told that my written recipes are easy to follow without a video. (perks of having worked as an Instructional Designer writing training materials). I know currently, everything is accompanied by a video but I am yet to get that game started. I may never. You never know!

What will you find here?

You will find recipes that will be the show stopper of your next family lunch, like Yemeni Chicken Mandi or Kacchi Mutton Biryani. You will also find plenty of desserts that are in small batches so you don't overindulge. And lots of sweet and savoury snacks for all mental states.

My recipes avoid boxed spice mixes so you don't have to buy a whole box only to use a little. As I post after testing a few times, I share what Not to do to perfect your cooking. No diet food here and no qualms about using butter and ghee. If you want to learn to cook new recipes, then dive in here and get inspired.

Most Popular Recipes

  • kacchi mutton biryani served with yoghurt, pappad and onions
    Kacchi Mutton Biryani
  • ariyunda recipe
    Ariyunda | Sweet Rice and Coconut Balls
  • A saucepot of Afghani chicken curry with chicken leg quarters.
    Afghani Chicken Curry
  • chicken chettinad curry recipe
    Chicken Chettinad Curry
  • A bowl of green gram curry
    Cherupayar Curry with Coconut
  • Varutharacha Malabar Chicken Curry | Chicken Curry with Roasted Coconut Sauce
    Varutharacha Malabar Chicken Curry | Chicken Curry with Roasted Coconut Sauce
  • A Cup of Tea - Milk Powder
  • yemeni chicken mandi recipe
    Yemeni Chicken Mandi | Baked Smoky Chicken Rice

CONTACT ME

I would love to hear from you, whether you have a recipe request or are interested in collaborating. Email me at famidha at butfirstchai dot com.

CONNECT

You can also find me on Instagram,  Pinterest, and  Facebook.

Note: All the pictures shared on this blog and the content in it are my own unless clearly stated otherwise. Reproducing in part or whole without my permission is a violation of my intellectual property. If you like to include my content in something then reach out and I am happy to work with you!

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Mr.F and Famidha

Hey, I'm Famidha

An Indian chai lover in the UAE. As a passionate food blogger, I share a diverse collection of recipes spanning the Middle East and South Asia. With each dish, I aim to spark your culinary curiosity and encourage you to try new flavours and cooking methods.

about me

Popular

  • Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
    Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

  • A bowl of cucumber salad with a small bowl of roasted peanuts by the side.
    Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad

  • chickpea sundal recipe
    Chickpea Sundal

  • fatteh chickpeas
    Fatteh Hummus

Seasonal

  • Chocolate Brownies with Avocado pieces
    Chocolate Brownies with Avocado

  • chocolate salami served in a round plate.
    Chocolate Salami without Eggs

  • a plate of chocolate date balls
    Chocolate Date Balls

  • kataifi truffles with condensed milk
    Sweet Kataifi Truffles

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